The fallout from the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) nominations has taken a sharp turn. Popular actress Lilian Afegbai, known to fans as Lily Afe, has publicly voiced her outrage after being omitted from the Best Supporting Actress category. Her performance as “Idia” in the hit Netflix series To Kill a Monkey was widely considered a frontrunner, making her exclusion one of the most discussed talking points in Lagos this week.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, March 30, Lily Afe didn’t hold back. She addressed the Nollywood awards nomination controversy 2026 by stating that she does not require a nomination for validation. However, she emphasized the cultural impact of her role, noting that “nobody trended like IDIA” over the past year. The actress, who won an AMVCA in 2018 for her film Bound, ended her post with a scathing message to the organizers: “You guys can eat your award.”
The snub has sparked a heated debate among film critics and fans alike. Afegbai’s portrayal of Idia was lauded for its authenticity, particularly her masterful delivery of pidgin English and the palpable chemistry she shared with co-star Bucci Franklin. While the series To Kill a Monkey secured eight other nominations—including Best Lead Actor for William Benson and Best Scripted Series—the absence of Afegbai in the acting categories has left many questioning the jury’s selection process.
The current Best Supporting Actress category remains stacked with heavyweights, including Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, and Bisola Aiyeola. While the organizers have yet to respond to the public criticism, the tension surrounding this year’s ceremony is at an all-time high. With Gingerrr and The Herd leading the pack with nine nominations each, the road to the May 9th gala is proving to be as dramatic off-screen as the films themselves.
